January 20th, 2013

Lokua has just released a 16 track rampage of what our good friend Slowerson refers to as “No Compromise” techno. All original sound design (no samples), and a complimentary Ableton instrument and effect library of over 150+ racks and presets to inspire fellow producers. The album is “choose your price”.

February 21st, 2012

Radius - Sleeping Wide Awake

No doubt our society is complacent. Is Hollywood’s never ceasing fascination with the walking dead any wonder? Radius’ Sleeping Wide Awake is a call from a reflecting awareness – wake up. In his own words: “people are zombies ”sleepwalking” and so much going on around them is here to awaken them, they just need a change of diet. Mentally, physically and spiritually I feel music is that cure.”. In essence this is what hip hop has been about since the get (despite what clear-channel and mainstream “you are getting sleeeeeeepy” thrust repeats would have the world believe). Knock Knock. Who’s there? Beats with swagger before “swag” became yet another example of how late pop exploitation decides what’s cool. Radius’ tracks capture a certain meditative quality that is neither ambient or new-agey, a something-a-ruther often missed in music of technological mediums. Chopped and pitched samples, vinyl static, classic breaks, steps without quantization, piercing envelopes, – all played and recorded in real time. Raw. Simply put, Sleeping Wide Awake is a hip hop instrumental album from a true head for true heads and beyond. Enjoy.

February 21st, 2012

Moment Sound co-founder Slava has just released a new EP on Software! The label themselves describe it as “techno energy adroitly concealed within a stark matrix of interloping, chrome dipped footwork themes”. Take a listen and support by purchasing.

August 13th, 2011

August 10th, 2011

Kollage, an artist based in Chicago, has been involved with music for years. Personal growth and true expression are key in his process and development of music. Pulling from a wide net of influences across genres and time periods becomes evident in listening to the first few tracks. Here are his personal thoughts on the project…

“This album was conceived and recorded live in the late winter months of 2011 at The Haymarket Lofts in Chicago. This body of work was created and arranged from a variety of synths, drum machines and live looping. I hope the sound enters your soul and awakens something within your mind, because music is truly the way we escape, heal and grow.” – Kollage

This album is not genre specific, it is neither hip hop, downtempo, nor space jazz, perhaps a blend of those elements with psychedelic overtones. It is a nefarious fog that unrolls around you, fuzzy analogue textures, throbbing undulating basslines, gently pummeled with syncopated beats. The synthesizer soundscapes are crafted in progressive washes, while tightly tattered beats full of snares, claps and kicks weave themselves thru the composition, the soft skeleton on which modulated melodies are served.

June 21st, 2011

The good people over at Gritty Goat have just released our friend Tall Black Guy’s Hollyweird 2.0 for free download. Why this thing is free I don’t know because it is straight MONEY. I first caught wind of Detroit native TBG at a Chicago all city beat battle where he tied for first place with Kenny Keys. Personally I thought the defending champ Rude One murdered them both in the same way I thought The Opus murdered Rude One the previous year but still, nobody can fuck with TBG’s head nod factor. I’ll never forget the first time our Moment Sound brother Garo booked TBG for a show at Darkroom as he brought his entire desktop and rocked Sonic Foundry’s Acid program with keyboard shortcuts – killed it. Hollyweird 2.0 is perfect for this time of year – summery glazed soul beats for the BBQ – grab a cutie’s hand and take a walk along the beach before swimming amongst the stars give you a brain aneurism.
-Lokua

April 25th, 2011

Maxwell Stern, also known as Euphorm, is an electronic producer and DJ from Chicago. His passion for experimental electronics developed through his exposure to the midwest rave scene as a teenager. As a DJ, he currently spins dub and downtempo at Lake Forest College’s WMXM 88.9fm radio station.

‘Timedraft’ shows Stern’s subdued, organic approach to ambient and micro-house textures. Colorblind starts things off with an insistent rhythm before a series of drones fade into a gentle rainstorm. The EP’s title track conjures a collage of noir-ish beauty, before Essence Unlock reveals a tense, hypnotic loop that weaves in and out of sync with a pulsing drumbeat. Promises meanders into slow-motion introspection; finally, the soothing warm percussion of Blue Dream pushes through one last dreamscape.

November 3rd, 2010

In anticipation of the impending Halloween, our theme for the night was “Spooky Techno”; also on the bill was Lokua and Trevael. Subtle samples and special effects were layered over dark tracks to enhance the spooky feel. Enjoy!